Foundation of Faith 1

Foundation of Faith 1

Brady discussed the need for him and his family to be given grace on Sunday. We all need to be given grace. We all sin and need others to give us grace. We need to give our spouse grace, our kids grace, our parents grace, and our neighbors grace.

We must live a grace-filled life because Jesus gave us grace.

How can we give grace? What does it look like when someone has given you grace in a situation? We all need to be given grace from time to time.

Jesus is Grace

          John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ” 16 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

To give grace to others means to be Jesus to them.
Because of Jesus’ grace, we have received blessings.

Be a blessing to others.

          Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Give grace, be a blessing by being compassionate and kind, and be humble and patient. Forgive and don’t hold grudges.

          Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

The Greek word grace means undeserved favor. We need to give others underserved favor.
Think of a time when you didn’t deserve to be given a break, but you were.

None of us want to be remembered for our worst day.
Remember the last time you were cut off in traffic? You thought the person was a jerk.
Remember the last time you cut someone off in traffic? You were not being a jerk; you just had a lapse in judgment.

Think the best of people, not the worst.

You will live a happier life and be more enjoyable to be around.

Giving grace is giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Giving grace is not assigning an evil motive to a person's actions.

Forgive and be patient with people.

Reflect the patience and love of Jesus to people.

          2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Don’t curse others.

          James 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Build others up.

          Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Let’s all give one another grace as we all grow in Jesus today.